Ratos divests AH Industries

2016-12-22

Ratos has signed an agreement to divest all of its shares, corresponding to a holding of 70%, in the subsidiary AH Industries, a global supplier to the wind turbine, cement and minerals industries, to Aurelius, a listed German investment company. The enterprise value amounts to approximately DKK 240m for 100% of the company. The divestment will result in an impairment of the company's total book value in the fourth quarter and is therefore not estimated to generate any considerable exit results for Ratos at closing. The investment has generated a negative annual average return (IRR).

Ratos acquired AH Industries in 2007. In recent years, a large-scale change initiative has been undertaken to boost the company's competitiveness and strategic position. Considerable cost-saving measures, consolidation of production and changes in the organisation have taken place and the company now stands on a solid foundation. Today, the company has about 370 employees, with annual sales of approximately DKK 812m and EBITA of approximately DKK 14m based on the most recent 12 months as per September 2016.

"The intensive improvement measures carried out at the company mean that AH Industries now stands on a stable platform that will allow it to grow together with a competent organisation and robust management group. Ratos has owned AH Industries since 2007 and we view the timing as appropriate for a new owner to take over," says Robin Molvin, Investment Director Ratos.

An agreement has been concluded regarding the sale of all shares, which for Ratos is equivalent to a holding of 70%. The divestment will result in an impairment of the company's total book value in the fourth quarter and is therefore not estimated to generate any considerable exit results for Ratos at closing. The investment has generated a negative annual average return (IRR). The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant authorities and is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2017.